Report: ‘Doctor Who’ Companion Jenna-Louise Coleman to Leave Show

Actress Jenna-Louise Coleman, who has played Clara Oswald on the science-fiction show “Doctor Who” for 18 months, is reportedly leaving the show later this year, according to the U.K.’s Mirror.

Coleman will sign off from her part as the Time Lord’s traveling companion in a Christmas story line, the article notes. Her reported departure comes shortly after a new actor is taking over the iconic title role, with Peter Capaldi portraying Doctor Who in a new season that starts this month.

Since the show started in 1963, it has featured almost 60 companions, including Catherine Tate as Donna Noble and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond.

As for who might be the Doctor’s next companion, one candidate is actor Chris Addison, who co-starred with Capaldi in “The Thick of It,” reports Radio Times.

Addison told Radio Times that he has been asked to appear in a guest role on the show.

“‘Would you like to be in “Doctor Who”?’ is the easiest question I’ve ever been asked. It’s a 35-year dream come true. Seven-year-old me would be going off his nut and I’m not far behind,” Addison told the publication.

Another potential replacement for Coleman is thought to be Rose Leslie, who plays Ygritte in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” the publication adds.